Shrove Monday in Aruba
In Aruba, Shrove Monday is listed as an official holiday on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. It follows the Grand Carnival Parade in Oranjestad, and the island’s tourism authority describes it as a day when locals recover from Carnival celebrations.[1][2]
An official day tied to the Carnival calendar
The Government of Aruba lists the Monday before Ash Wednesday among the island’s holidays. Its calendar calls the day Carnival Monday and shows it falling on a Monday; because it is linked to Ash Wednesday, its calendar date moves from year to year.[1]
The government’s holiday page describes public holidays as additional days off for employees. Its general employment information says that work on a public holiday receives extra compensation. However, the Department of Labor and Research notes that rules vary by sector: some shift-work and hospitality businesses may schedule employees, while other sectors treat holidays as days off. Check your employment terms or ask your employer about your own schedule.[1][3]
Aruba’s Carnival connection
Carnival in Aruba developed from early celebrations into an island-wide season. Aruba’s tourism authority dates the first celebration before Lent by the Tivoli Club in Oranjestad to 1944, and says Carnival began as small street festivals in 1954. It reports that clubs and districts came together for the first public Aruba Carnival in 1955, and that the traditional Grand Parades began in 1957.[2]
The tourism authority describes a season of children’s parades, Jouvert Morning, and Grand Carnival Parades in San Nicolas and Oranjestad. The Grand Parade in Oranjestad is generally held on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday; Carnival Monday follows it. These details place Shrove Monday within Aruba’s own Carnival calendar, even though the holiday’s official designation is tied to the date before Ash Wednesday.[2][4]
How the day is observed
The Aruba tourism calendar describes Carnival Monday as a day for locals to recuperate after dancing and partying. The island’s tourism authority also describes the burning of King Momo, an effigy representing the spirit of Carnival, as a Carnival-ending tradition. It places that ritual on Shrove Tuesday, so it is distinct from the Monday public holiday.[2][4]
Shrove Monday falls during Aruba’s Carnival season, when Grand Parades take place in San Nicolas and Oranjestad.[2]
What to expect for services
Some businesses may close early or remain closed for the day: Aruba’s tourism calendar specifically says this may apply to shops, petrol stations, and supermarkets. Government offices close on public holidays; the Customs Department announced its closure for Carnival Monday in 2025. That notice is an example, not a schedule for every office or every year.[4][5]
Opening hours and services can differ, so confirm directly with the provider before making plans.[4][5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Shrove Monday a public holiday in Aruba?
Yes. The Government of Aruba lists the Monday before Ash Wednesday among its holidays, and its calendar labels the day Carnival Monday.[1]
When does it fall?
It falls on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. Its date changes each year with the Carnival and Lenten calendar.[1]
Does everyone get the day off?
Are shops and services open?
Does the burning of King Momo take place on Shrove Monday?
The Aruba tourism authority places the burning of King Momo on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. It is described as a Carnival-ending tradition.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Shrove Monday in Aruba:
- Holidays- Government of Aruba
- Aruba Carnival | History and details- Aruba Tourism Authority
- The Department of Labor and Research (DAO) provides information on compensation when working on official holidays or commemorative days- Government of Aruba
- Carnival Monday – Official Aruban Holiday- Aruba Tourism Authority
- The Customs Department office will be closed on March 3, 2025, in connection with Carnival Monday.- Government of Aruba